20x2A MC Phono Cartridge

The DV 20X2A phono cartridge is a core model in the Dynavector MC cartridge series. Using the same base structure as DV's higher-end models (aka XX-2A and Te Kaitora Rua), the 20x2A features a solid aluminium alloy body, hard aluminum cantilever and a Micro-Ridge stylus tip.

Available in two variations to suit any analog rig, the 20X2A makes it easy to listen to, no matter what phono preamp you own!

20x2A-L Low-Output Variant
The low output model 20X2A-L generates 0.3mV output voltage, using ultra-fine PCOCC wires for exceptional purity. This is the same coil wire featured in DV's higher-end models. Dynavector recommendes load this cartridge at 30Ω or greater, which makes it compatible with a wide variety of MC Phono stages and most MC step-up transformers.

20x2A-H High-Output Variant
The 20X2A-H delivers a robust output of 2.8mV making it suitable for any MM phono stage, without any of the drawbacks of an MM cartridge (or the complexity of  adding an MC Step-Up transformer). This cartridge features DV's legendary coil winding technology; by winding the coil many times using the same PCOCC ultra-fine wire as its stablemate, the 20x2A-H mimics the electrical characteristics of an MM cartridge without all the extra mass of affixing magnets to the pole piece! This means the 20x2A-H delivers better transient response, low level detail and  overall performance than a MM cartridge can AND it can be connected directly to any MM phono preamp!

Special Annealing Process
There's a more formal description in the next tab for those  who like to geek out on such things, but for those who just want the skinny:
The pure-iron magnet core which rests at the center of the 20x2A's magnetic structure undergoes a special annealing process. Annealing is when heat is used to compress a material's structure. This process delivers results similar to forging but without the relentless pounding. Annealing magnets wasn't possible in the past, because when they are heated, they lose their magnetism! DV engineers labored for years to develop a way to do this and the results are outstanding! Annealing greatly improves and stabilizes the magnetic field, delivering huge sonic benefits: Improved focus, greater dynamic range, smoother tonal balance, better low-level retrieval, everything!

Compliance
With a compliance of 12mm/N and a weight of 9.2g, the 20X2A series is compatible with the vast majority of light to medium weight tonearms. Heavy headshells are not recommended. 

Neodymium magnets and soft magnets
The series employs a patented softened magnets developed to reduce distortion and harsh irritating edgy sounds caused by rare earth magnets while still achieving high output from powerful neodymium magnets. While taking advantage of the powerful magnetic force of neodymium magnets the cartridge achieves a clear separation of sound.

Hard Aluminium Pipe / Cantilever
The hollow hard aluminium pipe cantilever used reduces the mass of the "read" section of the cartridge, delivering wide bandwidth, with a natural tonal balance and pure, clear high frequencies.

Micro-Ridge Stylus
A Micro-Ridge stylus is used for the stylus tip. The part that contacts the record groove has a tiny radius curvature of only 2 microns, yet the band-like shape of the tip makes it resistant to abrasion and provides ideal performance over an extended period of time.

Although the selection of Stylus and Cantilever are without question important choices, special attention must be paid to the critical role that magnets play within the generating mechanism. The cartridge's output signal is inextricably tied to the minute movements of the vibration sensing system within the magnetic circuit, as this is where signal is generated as the coil vibrates amidst the magnetic flux. In essence, this is where the rubber meets the road.

To preserve maximum resolution, it is essential that the magnetic field within the cartridge be able to maintain high flux density and unwavering stability. Dynavector uses pure iron for the magnetic circuit due to its high magnetic permeability and exceptional stability. The downside of processing metal parts however, is that this will often distort the crystal structure of the iron at an atomic level, which leads to a loss of magnetic permeability.

Magnetic annealing, the process of heating and then cooling these processed parts, is crucial for restoring the crystal structure to the metal and regenerating magnetic permeability. Most magnetic annealing processes simply cannot fully overcome and "heal" these distortions in the crystal structure as magnetic annealing conditions will vary depending on the parts material, size, shape, etc. Dynavector's research focused on improving this process to find the most effective magnetic annealing process, which included experimenting with temperature, environment, duration, as well as heating and cooling rates. This meticulous and scientifically based approach has led them to pioneer an entirely new way to unleash the full potential of pure iron's unique magnetic performance.

Dynavector's proprietary Annealed Magnetic Circuit breakthrough delivers significantly improved sound quality, unrivalled resolution, with a smooth and wide tonal balance, and exceptional depth of field. This is what gives the 20x2A cartridge its natural tonal balance and hugely dynamic presentation. What you hear is a properly optimized magnetic generating system melded with a state-of-the art vibration sensing system. 

Type:  High/Low output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism
Output Voltage:  
   High:  2.8 mV
   Low:  0.3 mV
Channel Separation:   25 dB (at 1KHz)
Channel balance:   1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
Frequency response:   20 - 20,000 Hz（±2dB)
Compliance:  12 mm/N
Tracking force:   1.8 - 2.2 g
Impedance:   150 ohms / 5 ohms
Recommended load impedance:   1,000 ohms / > 30 ohms
Cantilever:   6mm length hard aluminium pipe
Stylus tip:   Micro Ridge Nude diamond
Weight:   9.2 g